Sukmawati's Straight Talk on the Bali Bombers

Daughter of Former President and Politically Active Sukmawati Tells Government to Stop Dragging their Feet and Execute the Bali Bombers.

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(10/25/2008)

The Sister of former President Megawati and Chairperson of the Indonesia Nationalist Party Marhaenisme (PNI Marhaenisme - PNIM), Sukmawati, used her appearance at "Ground Zero" to lambaste those responsible for the continuing delays in the execution of the Bali Bombers.

According to the controversial political leader who actively campaigns against past-presidential Sister, the delays reflect the lack of national solidarity for the minority people of Bali and a lack of concern for the legal rights of the bombing victims originating from a variety of nations. Sukmawati went on to say: "I am very disappointed with the postponement of Amrozi's execution for reasons of security and stability. There are also threats from fundamentalist groups. This reveals that terrorists are successfully scolding the Nation. A strong nation should be able to stand up to extremists. This is a failure of the government of SBY-JK (Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono – Jusuf Kalla)."

We Must be Mentally Prepared

In comments quoted in the Bali Post, Sukmawati warned the people of Bali to be prepared for any eventuality when Amrozi and his fellow terrorists are eventually executed. She continued: "The people of Bali have suffered for 6 years and these executions must be performed soon. The Country must be strong in confronting terrorists. Don't surrender. The people of Bali must keep pressure on the Center. This is a requirement if we are to maintain the sovereign nation of the Republic of Indonesia as envisioned by (my Father) Bung Karno."

As her party prepares to embark on an election year in 2009, Sukmawati praised the people of Bali who have withstood two terrorist attacks in 2002 and 2005 while still holding firm to their principles of peace and non-violence.

Accompanying Sukmawati was the Chairman of the Bali branch of the PNIM Party, Dr. Shri I Gst Ngrh Arya Vedakarna, who praised the peace-loving people of Bali, saying: "This is the proof that the Hindu teaching of love are embraced by the people of Bali. All religions and all people of the world should imitate the maturity shown by the Balinese. But, the Government must know the patience of the Balinese people has its limits. Don’t allow the continuing postponement of the executions become a cause of public unrest in Bali. Bali has a history of 'puputan' (editior: fighting to the death), violent periods in 1965 and the 'Golkarinization' in 1972 which cost many victims. We must continue to think in 'Ahimsa' terms (non-violent)."

Less Than 2 Weeks to Live

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Attorney General Hendarman Supandji has told the press that there are no further obstacles to the execution of the three Bali Bombers, promising a formal announcement on the subject on Friday, October 24, 2008.

Various press reports indicate that the execution is now imminent with the three now moved to extreme security isolation cells at the Nusa Kembangan island prison in Central Java. Other reports say that firing squads are on stand by as our ambulances to carry the criminals' lifeless bodies back to their home villages for burial.

Executions in Indonesia are typically only announced to the press after their completion.